Drinking bottled water has become a massive trend around the world. Sales of bottled water are surging, and many large companies have gotten in on the trade. Consumers are obviously concerned about their health, and many distrust tap water. The tap water vs. bottled water debate rages in many corners, usually comparing safety standards and chemical testing.

But one of the biggest drawbacks to drinking bottled water is the waste that all those plastic bottles create. Even though there are recycling programs in many parts of the world, most of that plastic is ending up in landfill. Plastic does not decompose easily, so once in a landfill it stays there for a very long time. Recycling plastic is also not a panacea; recycling uses a huge amount of energy, which ends up putting a lot of extra greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

There is, however, an alternative that not only provides clean, purified water exceeding the standard of tap water, but is portable, and inexpensive to boot. That alternative is a water bottle filter.

A water bottle filter is a simple filter cartridge, generally of activated carbon, that is built in the lid or drinking straw of a sports bottle sized dispenser. The filter is capable of cleaning water of chlorine, sediments and pathogens. Not to be confused with ceramic filters which use a pumping action and are designed to filter lake and river water for hikers, a water bottle filter requires nothing more than gravity and a slight squeeze to push the water through the filter and provide clean, pure drinking water.

A water bottle filter is just as portable as any water bottle, and also makes an excellent travel buddy. It can be used to filter hotel and restaurant water when you are away from home, to ensure that you are being protected. However, if you are in an area with a really questionable water supply, it is best if you stick with bottled water. If the water contains dangerous pathogens, you don't want to take any chances on becoming sick.

Water bottle filters are also inexpensive, and stack up well against the cost of bottled water. Most will be able to filter about 100 litres of water before requiring a replacement. The initial cost of a water bottle filter is usually in the $20 to $40 range, and replacement filters will usually be under $20.

So, if you are concerned about your own health, and the health of the planet, a water bottle filter is an excellent idea to consider.

About the Author

Brent Craig is an author and journalist with a dedicated interest in Healthy Home options.

For more information on Water Filters, please visit: http://water-filters.HealthyHomeFacts.com